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Cultural Evolution
Pingguo He came to UNH as a member of the first group of Chinese students allowed to study abroad after the Cultural Revolution. He later worked at universities in China, Newfoundland and Canada before returning to UNH to research fishing equipment and behavior. When officials at Zhejiang Ocean University came to America in hopes of establishing a marine science collaboration, they followed in the footsteps of He, who happens to be one of the Chinese university's most prominent alumni. The two universities signed an agreement in December, and officials hope that the partnership will lead to a cultural and intellectual exchange in a range of fields.

Thinking About Linking
"They like us. We like them," John Hutson, dean and president of Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord told Foster's Daily Democrat last fall when it was first revealed that UNH and the only law school in the state were flirting with the idea of merging. A recent vote by Franklin Pierce trustees means that both sides will continue seriously studying the cost-neutral merger, with a decision expected by spring. For UNH, President Mark Huddleston sees "potential synergies with our business and engineering programs, especially in the area of intellectual property, a major strength of Pierce Law."

Strategic Feedback
If you have an interest in the university's future, President Huddleston would like to hear from you. An electronic community forum has been established to solicit comments on nine topics related to UNH's first comprehensive, campuswide strategic-planning process. To post a comment or simply read what other alumni, students, parents, faculty and staff members have posted, visit www.unh.edu/ strategicplanning/comments.html.

Freshman Camp Replaced
In August, UNH will introduce a new pre-orientation program for the incoming freshman class. The new program is being created to replace Freshman Camp, which was discontinued last fall after an investigation into reports of misconduct. Initially, the new program will accommodate about 50 students; officials say the camp may grow in subsequent years. In addition to a recreational and outdoor education component, the program will include leadership development. UNH currently has two pre-orientation programs, UNH Proves, which specializes in public service, and Connect, for students of color.

The new program will provide an opportunity for students entering UNH to connect with classmates, current students and university staff before the crush of fall activities begins on campus. "We understand the need for a program that offers students an opportunity to make connections and to have some fun in the process," says Anne Lawing, senior assistant vice president for student and academic services. "Our goal is to ensure that such opportunities exist."